Çelik: “The Worst Move the GC Side Could Make Is Entering an Arms Race”

Speaking at party headquarters following the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK) meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Çelik responded to questions regarding the armament of the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Çelik said the Greek Cypriot side’s actions contradicted its own long-standing rhetoric on negotiations and peace on the island.

He added:
“Despite everything they have said about dialogue and peace on the island, the Greek Cypriot side is clearly entering a militarisation process. But what difference does it make if you arm every corner of the island? When atrocities were committed against Turkish Cypriots in the past, ‘Ayşe went on holiday’ and Turkey did what was necessary, even under the most difficult conditions.”

Stressing that Türkiye does not want conflict in the Aegean or the Eastern Mediterranean, Çelik criticised Greece for its attitude towards Türkiye’s defence industry. Referring to recent social media posts by the Greek Air Force following the military plane crash that killed Turkish soldiers, Çelik said:

“These are unhealthy attitudes. They do not conform to military, humanitarian or political values. There is something called the art and values of soldiering — this behaviour does not match any of it.”

Çelik argued that the Greek Cypriot side was being driven to increasingly extreme positions by the “arrogance” it derives from EU membership.

He concluded:
“Entering an arms race would be the worst mistake they could make. And an even bigger mistake would be entering this arms race with Israel’s support.”